How to Create a Moroccan Hideaway

Transport yourself to another land without stepping foot outside your door by creating a Moroccan hideaway. Whether you're decorating your bedroom or a shared living space, you'll feel as if you've been whisked off to an exotic land when you enter this hideaway, filled with exotic and whimsical flare. To create an authentic hideaway, look for furnishings and textiles that will help you achieve the Moroccan style, and infuse them into the space you have chosen.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Instructions

1

Paint the walls of the chosen space. Choose one or a combination of the vibrant colours commonly seen in Moroccan decor, such as bright yellow, cobalt blue, curry-coloured red or brilliant purple. If you fear that such bold colours will close in the space you are transforming, paint one or two walls in a Moroccan-inspired colour and paint the remaining walls a neutral shade.

2

Select bold furnishings for the space. Choose tables and shelving units that are made of dark woods and feature ornate carvings. Sofas and chairs covered with bright-coloured velvet or satin material work well with this style. Choose either a wood headboard that features carvings or upholster a headboard with lavish print fabrics.

3

Cover the floors with decorative Moroccan rugs. If authentic Moroccan rugs are too costly, inexpensive imitations that feature colourful patterns will help you achieve the look you desire.

4

Drape lush fabrics in colourful shades from the ceiling, over the windows and on the furniture. Create a canopy above your bed or over a sofa, hang floor-to-ceiling curtains on the windows and drape decorative throw blankets on the back of a sofa, a chair or on the foot of a bed.

5

Incorporate decorative glass or wrought iron lamps in the room. Suspend a single large Moroccan-inspired lamp from the ceiling in the centre of the room, or suspend a collection of smaller lamps from the ceiling. Place decorative lamps on end tables and coffee tables.

6

Arrange large decorative throw pillows on the floor of the room. These pillows serve as extra seating and are a traditional element in Moroccan decor.

7

Place exotic plants, such as banana plants and ferns, in large urns and set them on the floor of the space. These plants will add further drama to the space and create a lush, exotic feel.

8

Include mosaic tiles on the floor, in a fireplace surround or on the surface of a table if costs and time allow. Choose tiles that feature bright colours and designs that tie in with the Moroccan-vibe.

Tips and warnings

For examples of Moroccan decor, patterns and prints, visit the sites listed in the resources section.